Families moving into new government properties could be granted a BD3,000 loan to help them cover the cost of furnishing their homes and buying household appliances, if MPs have their way.
Parliament, chaired by Speaker Fouzia Zainal, unanimously approved an urgent proposal by five MPs led by Al Asala (Salfi) Bloc president and services committee chairman Ahmed Al Ansari to have the money absorbed within the 30-year instalments for the social housing unit, ensuring the increased amount in monthly payments ‘would not prove too huge a burden’ on their budgets.
“Most of the low-income families live in a room or two in their parent’s home sharing facilities, furniture and electronics,” said Mr Al Ansari.
“So when they finally get their new homes they are faced with the additional expense of buying essential items. Many are forced to approach philanthropists or charity societies which all takes time.
“This means that many end up having to sleep on the floor, alongside having no air-conditioning or refrigerators, let alone Internet access.”
Last year, the Southern Municipal Council called on the government to include ACs in current and new housing projects claiming cash-strapped Bahrainis could not afford to install them.
As a result, council chairman Bader Al Tamimi claimed that many new government homes were being left empty during the hot summer months until young families could raise funds or get AC units donated.
MPs also unanimously approved seven urgent proposals and referred them to the Cabinet for review:
Allowing Bahraini medical students studying abroad to be offered hands-on training in local government health facilities and acknowledging training by GCC medical facilities.
The Health Ministry had allowed the move during the pandemic due to travel restrictions but the exception has since been cancelled.
Giving dentists on Tamkeen contracts, who have volunteered services during the pandemic, priority in new employment opportunities at government health facilities.
Halting legal and administrative action against fishermen for shrimp entering their fixed nets during the seasonal shrimping ban. Public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Khalid Bu Onk called for them to be spared punishment as they did not intentionally make the catch.
Demolishing / rebuilding or remodelling / renovating the derelict Jid Al Haj Mosque.
Establishing a new fund to finance and renovate dilapidated homes.
Accepting all students who have not completed six years of age in all government schools prior to the start of the new academic year on September 1, if they enter seven on December 31 of the same year.
Reclassifying Amwaj Islands from Special Project to an open residential, commercial and tourist project in line with other projects in the area.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))